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Bypass the switches.
Unplug the light. Remove the bulb/tube/lamp.
Take the four screws out of the white "reflector", remove the switch by cutting it out. Splice the wires that went to the switch, together. Make this connection as watertight as you can. Wire nut should be enough, but I'd suggest solder and heat shrink tubing if you or a friend has some. Reassemble and control lights with an inexpensive mechanical timer.

That is pretty ideal. Another thing you could do, if you really like having a switch is go buy an inline switch to wire into the cord. Couldn't be more than a few bucks, if not 1. I have that same hood and light, but for some reason, I have more room in the back, for my filter. But then, my button is off to the side of the filter.

this is by far the best solution.... i will be putting my handy dandy thinking cap on tomorrow and getting to work on this. it doesn't look that bad now that you've explained it. i think it's a simple solution! thank you so much! you deserve a gift :)